Chapter Text
Jesse sighed, putting her cup of coffee down on her desk. She had so many reports to get to, and the pile kept growing on the corner of her desk. She’d give anything to have a break, as long as it was with her brother. And Emily. Maybe Arish as well? He’s her only friend at the Bureau. Dylan being her brother, and Emily being her girlfriend, Arish was a welcome presence in her life. They’d even go out for some beers on select weekends, toasting to those they’ve lost and getting completely wasted. It would make sense to ask him to come along with her on a mini vacation with her other loved ones.
We all need a break. The Hiss are gone, the lockdown lifted. Maybe I can give out mandatory days off for some of the staff. A higher pay too?
When Jesse first stepped outside of the Oldest House, she was surprised to find out it was already December. The lockdown only lasted about a month and a half. Jesse decided the entirety of the FBC deserved a long overdue break, and sent everyone home for the holidays, save for a small backup team that didn’t mind being at the Bureau during the festivities. She ended up at Emily’s apartment for a few days into the new year, counting down and kissing at midnight. The redhead smiled at the memory, wanting nothing more than to run through a field of flowers with her girlfriend. She shook her head and chuckled at herself.
Spring has barely made its entrance, and I’m already thinking about flowers.
A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. “Come in!” She called, signing off yet another report. The double doors opened to reveal Simon Arish. He looked uncharacteristically worried, making Jesse frown immediately. “What’s wrong?”
He gulped, walking closer to her desk. “We, uh, just got an alert of an AWE.” Jesse widened her eyes, standing immediately. “But it’s a few years late.”
“How late?” Jesse asked, walking to the door and signaling for Arish to follow. They both began walking down the halls towards Central Executive.
“The reports I’ve received have stated that this AWE happened back in 2013,” Arish explained, showing The Director the files he had with him. “There was some insane weather anomaly that completely wiped out an entire town.” Jesse stiffened, feeling clammy. Arish noticed, pausing with his boss. “You okay, Faden?”
Wiped out a town… Ordinary…
Blinking, the redhead twitched her head slightly, taking a deep breath. “Yeah. Sorry, I’m... I’m alright.”
Her officer didn’t look convinced, but they continued walking down the halls anyway. “The only survivors were two women,” he murmured, flipping a page to the next file. “Maxine Caulfield and Chloe Price.”
Only two? From an entire town? God, this keeps getting more and more familiar. Too familiar.
“Do we know where they’re located?” Jesse asked, trotting around towards the Board Room.
“Both of the women were last seen in Portland.” Arish said.
Portland, huh? I’ve been there once or twice. I think. Towns and cities blended together long ago. Guess I should get reacquainted with locations now that I’m Director.
Polaris flickered in the back of her mind, wrapping her in a comforting warmth. Jesse smiled slightly at the notion. Having Polaris entwined with her own… soul? It felt different, but good. Nice. Sometimes it was hard; she’d find herself zoning out while Polaris took the reins, usually during meetings.
Thanks, Polaris. And, uh, sorry for being out of it so much.
Polaris twinkled, seemingly in a way to convey laughter. The double doors to the Board Room swung open as the pair walked in, seeing Emily Pope sitting at her usual chair. “Jesse!” She smiled. “Simon!”
Arish waved at her, his signature smirk on his face, before sitting down in an office chair on the other side of the table. Jesse took a seat in the chair she usually did when she was meeting with Emily during the Hiss crisis.
Glad we can talk about things other than the Hiss now.
“What do we know about Maxine and Chloe?” Jesse asked, her wrist flicking slightly. She’d always twitch when she was nervous.
This AWE... it’s too much like Ordinary. That’s just a bunch of trauma that never got properly assessed. Hmm… maybe I can hire therapists for FBC-related incidents?
“Right.” Emily cleared her throat. “We don’t have as much information as we usually would, but we do have the basics.”
After the Hiss had been eradicated, Jesse had ordered that no one in the Bureau was to harass or stalk anyone anymore after what happened to her and Dylan. They could get information, but no one was allowed to constantly watch suspects as if the Bureau were the FBI. Admittedly, a few agents had complained, but they were quickly shut down by Arish. The reports they filed also did not have an overabundance of information, but just enough to know approximate details. She had to give Emily credit with how the blonde handled the situation in stride.
She’s amazing at this job. I’m glad I promoted her.
“We do know the appearances, ages, and locations of the two women,” Emily continued. “Maxine Caulfield, who reportedly goes by ‘Max’, is currently in Portland, Oregon. She’s about five foot and five inches. Our Rangers have noticed her style, a kind of “blend in with the crowd” type. You wouldn’t know to take a second glance at her. Her hair is choppy, short, and brown.” Flipping the page on her clipboard, she skimmed through the next file. Jesse and Arish waited patiently. “Chloe Price is also in Portland, Oregon. She’s five foot and nine inches, usually sporting punk clothing. Think if Hot Topic was a person.” Emily chuckled at herself. “She’s sometimes seen with a flannel over her punk clothing as well. Her hair is originally blonde, but she’s dyed it bright blue, though her roots are starting to show. It’s shorter than Maxine’s, barely covering her ears. She also has a notable tattoo covering her right arm. The tattoo depicts some roses, thorns, a skull, some red ribbon circling everything, and a few blue butterflies towards the top.”
Jesse hummed, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table. “Chloe might be easier to find because of her style,” Jesse murmured, eyes halfway closed in deep thought. “But Max seems like she tries fitting in. It’ll be harder to locate her.”
Emily waved a finger at her, letting out a tut. “Ah ah! That’s the catch!” She smiled, big and bright like always. “They are never spotted separated from each other. Wherever they are, they’re always together.”
Definitely sounds like more than a friendship.
“Interesting.” Jesse mumbled, leaning back in her chair.
“So it shouldn’t be too hard to find ‘em!” Arish grinned. Emily smiled back and nodded.
“Cool.” Jesse breathed, standing. “Alright, we need to go investigate.” Emily and Arish glanced at each other, unsure. Jesse furrowed her brows. “What?”
“Well,” Arish rubbed the back of his neck. “We normally send a team of rangers to investigate it for us. Being Head of Security, I’d also be required to go. But usually the Director stays here at the Bureau.” He widened his eyes, hands up in sudden defense. “Not that you can’t take care of yourself, Dir- Faden! Just, that, uhhh...” He trailed off awkwardly. Jesse gave him a light smile.
“Don’t worry about it.” She told him. “I don’t want to risk any rangers on this. The women could be dangerous, but with Polaris on my side and my powers themselves, if anything happens, I can handle them. Besides, I’m attuned with several different Objects of Power; two normal women wouldn’t be able to take me down easily. That being said, we are to treat them kindly, not like weapons.”
Not like my brother.
Emily and Arish nodded in understanding, rising from their seats. “So, what’s the plan, Faden?” Arish asked.
“I’m glad you asked.” Jesse responded with a smirk. “Pack your things, we’re going to Portland!”